Can hydroponics be organic? Not according to Max Goldberg. Read the latest.

I just got back from the National Organic Standards Board meeting in Denver, and echoing the words of esteemed organic advocate and farmer Michael Sligh, “the soul of organic is at stake.” Currently, hydroponics (growing plants in water) or other container growing systems (growing plants in a nutrient-free substrate like peat moss or coconut coir and then adding micronized fish or hydrolyzed soy for nutrition for the plants) are being allowed under the USDA’s National Organic Program. Why is this a problem? Organic was founded on the basis of growing plants in the soil. Period. People buy organic because it tastes better, has superior nutrition and is optimal for the environment. And this is all the result of the rich soil in organic farms. Despite the fact that it does have tremendous value to society, growing plants in water or container systems are just not organic. The...